System and method for ephemeral entries in a forwarding information base in a content centric network

ABSTRACT

One embodiment provides a system that facilitates efficient management of a forwarding information base (FIB). During operation, the system receives, by an intermediate node, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a FIB, wherein a name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level. In response to obtaining the first entry from the FIB based on the name for the first interest, the system adds to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry. In response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied, the system removes the first entry from the FIB, thereby facilitating the intermediate node to efficiently manage the FIB based on information provided by a content producing device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject matter of this application is related to the subject matter in the following applications:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/847,814, entitled         “ORDERED-ELEMENT NAMING FOR NAME-BASED PACKET FORWARDING,” by         inventor Ignacio Solis, filed 20 Mar. 2013 (hereinafter “U.S.         patent application Ser. No. 13/847,814”);     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/338,175, entitled         “CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF INTERESTS AND CONTENT IN A CONTENT         CENTRIC NETWORK,” by inventors Van L. Jacobson and Diana K.         Smetters, filed 18 Dec. 2008 (hereinafter “U.S. patent         application Ser. No. 12/338,175”); and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/579,925, entitled “SYSTEM         AND METHOD FOR EFFICIENT NAME-BASED CONTENT ROUTING USING         LINK-STATE INFORMATION IN INFORMATION-CENTRIC NETWORKS,” by         inventor Jose J. Garcia-Luna-Aceves, filed 22 Dec. 2014         (hereinafter “U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/579,925”);         the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in         their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure is generally related to distribution of digital content. More specifically, this disclosure is related to a system and method for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base (FIB) based on ephemeral entries in the FIB.

Related Art

The proliferation of the Internet and e-commerce continues to create a vast amount of digital content. Content centric network (CCN) architectures have been designed to facilitate accessing and processing such digital content. A CCN includes entities, or nodes, such as network clients, forwarders (e.g., routers), and content producers, which communicate with each other by sending interest packets for various content items and receiving content object packets in return. CCN interests and content objects are identified by their unique names, which are typically hierarchically structured variable length identifiers (HSVLI). An HSVLI can include contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level.

A CCN data packet (such as an interest or content object) is routed based on its name. A name can include a name prefix, which is one or more of the contiguous name components starting from the most general level. An interest packet may be distributed from an intermediate router to a producer based on different methods. The router may have multi-access channels over which to reach many producers. In a first method, the router can broadcast the interest to the channel, allowing all producers to receive the interest. The first method does not require any FIB entries to be created for these producers. In a second method, the router can multicast or unicast the interest to certain recipient producers on the channel. The second method does require FIB entries to be created for producers, because the router must possess knowledge of where to send the multicast or unicast message. However, in the case where producers are mobile, the second method may result in FIB entries consuming more space than needed. For example, a producer may advertise its name prefix for a specific “original” router, and then immediately move to another “new” router (e.g., via a different access point). The FIB entry created at the original router no longer allows an interest for content under the previously advertised name to be successfully forwarded to the re-located producer. Such a FIB entry consumes an unnecessary amount of space, which may result in an inefficient system.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a system that facilitates efficient management of a forwarding information base. During operation, the system receives, by an intermediate node, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a forwarding information base, wherein a name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level. In response to obtaining the first entry from the forwarding information base based on the name for the first interest, the system adds to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry. In response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied, the system removes the first entry from the forwarding information base, thereby facilitating the intermediate node to efficiently manage the forwarding information base based on information provided by a content producing device.

In some embodiments, the condition indicates an absolute clock value, and the system determines that the lifetime value is satisfied by detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value.

In some embodiments, the condition indicates a stale clock value, and the system determines that the lifetime value is satisfied by: detecting that no subsequent interests are forwarded based on the first entry before an expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a subsequent interest based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.

In some embodiments, the condition further indicates an interest threshold, which indicates a number of forwarded interests after which the lifetime value is to be reset, and the system determines that the lifetime value is satisfied by: detecting that a number of interests less than the interest threshold is forwarded based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a number of subsequent interests equal to the interest threshold based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.

In some embodiments, the condition indicates one or more of an absolute clock value, the stale clock value, the interest threshold, and a reference count which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base. The system determines that the lifetime value is satisfied by the previous operations and further by: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value; and in response to forwarding an interest based on the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.

In some embodiments, the condition further indicates a reference count, which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base. The system determines that the lifetime value is satisfied by: in response to forwarding the first interest or a second interest to an outgoing interface indicated in the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.

In some embodiments, the first interest is an advertisement of the content producing device for content under a domain of the content producing device, and the advertisement does not require a responsive content object and does not leave state information in a pending interest table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network which facilitates efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement which indicates an absolute clock value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement which indicates a stale clock value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement which indicates a stale clock value and an interest threshold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2F illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2E, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2G illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement which indicates a reference count, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2H illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2G, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2I illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement which indicates a stale clock value and a reference count, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2J illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2I, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A presents a flow chart illustrating a method by an intermediate router for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B presents a flow chart illustrating a method by an intermediate router for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base, including various conditions for lifetime values, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 presents a flow chart illustrating a method by a content producing device for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system that facilitates efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same figure elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Overview

Embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of FIB entries which persist for longer than necessary after a producer relocates by allowing the producer to communicate a lifetime value when advertising a name prefix to the network. The lifetime value is a condition which controls the lifetime of the corresponding FIB entry, such that an intermediate router can remove the FIB entry when the lifetime value condition is satisfied.

In CCN, an interest packet may be distributed from an intermediate router to a producer based on different methods. The router may have multi-access channels over which to reach many producers. In a first method, the router can broadcast the interest to the channel, allowing all producers to receive the interest. The first method does not require any FIB entries to be created for these producers. In a second method, the router can multicast or unicast the interest to certain recipient producers on the channel. The second method does require FIB entries to be created for producers, because the router must possess knowledge of where to send the multicast or unicast message. However, in the case where producers are mobile, the second method may result in FIB entries consuming more space than needed. For example, a producer may advertise its name prefix for a specific “original” router, and then immediately move to another “new” router (e.g., via a different access point). The FIB entry created at the original router no longer allows an interest for content under the previously advertised name prefix to be successfully forwarded to the re-located producer. Such a FIB entry consumes an unnecessary amount of space, which may result in an inefficient system.

Embodiments of the present invention solve this problem by providing a system which allows a producer to include a lifetime value in an interest or advertisement. The lifetime value is a condition which, when satisfied, allows a receiving router to remove the corresponding entry from its FIB, thus freeing up unnecessary space and resulting in a more efficient system. Lifetime values may be expressed as an absolute clock value, a stale clock value, a stale clock value with an interest threshold, a reference count, or any combination thereof.

An absolute clock time value is the time for which the prefix is valid. For example, a FIB entry for a prefix with an absolute clock lifetime value of 5 seconds will expire from a router's FIB after 5 seconds. Absolute clock time values are described below in relation to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

A stale clock time value is the time for which the prefix may exist without any corresponding interests being routed before the entry expires. For example, a FIB entry for a prefix with a stale clock lifetime value of 10 seconds will expire from a router's FIB after 10 seconds of inactivity (i.e., routing no interests based on the FIB entry within 10 seconds). If an interest is routed before the expiration of stale clock lifetime, the router resets the stale clock lifetime to its original value. For example, if an interest is routed within the 10 second stale clock lifetime value, the router subsequently resets the stale clock lifetime value back to the original 10 seconds. Stale clock time values are described below in relation to FIGS. 2C and 2D.

A stale clock time value with an interest threshold resets the time value only after the interest threshold is reached. For example, a FIB entry for a prefix with a stale clock lifetime value of 10 seconds and an interest threshold of 4 will expire from a router's FIB after 10 seconds of inactivity and routing less than 4 interests based on the FIB entry. If four interests are routed within the 10 second stale clock window, the router subsequently resets the stale clock lifetime value back to the original 10 seconds. Stale clock time values with interest thresholds are described below in relation to FIGS. 2E and 2F.

A reference count is an integer which specifies the number of interests that can be satisfied by the corresponding FIB entry before the entry is removed. For example, a FIB entry for a prefix with a reference count lifetime value of 8 can only be used to forward 8 interests before the entry is removed. Reference counts are described below in relation to FIGS. 2G and 2H.

In addition, lifetime values may be combined to provide more expressive lifetime values, where the lifetime value is based on whichever condition is satisfied first. For example, a FIB entry for a prefix with a stale clock time of 10 seconds and a reference count of 8 will expire from a router's FIB after either 10 seconds of inactivity or forwarding 8 interests, depending on which condition occurs first. Combining lifetime values is described below in relation to FIGS. 2I and 2J.

By allowing a producer to transmit an interest which includes a lifetime value, and allowing receiving routers to modify and manage their corresponding FIB entries based on the interest, embodiments of the present invention provide a system which facilitates efficient management of FIB s in the network. Thus, the present system provides improvements to the distribution of digital content, where the improvements are fundamentally technological. Embodiments of the present invention provide a technological solution (e.g., providing lifetime values in interests to allow intermediate routers to manage their FIBs and remove entries based on the lifetime values) to the technological problem of the efficient, secure, and effective distribution of digital content.

In CCN, each piece of content is individually named, and each piece of data is bound to a unique name that distinguishes the data from any other piece of data, such as other versions of the same data or data from other sources. This unique name allows a network device to request the data by disseminating a request or an interest that indicates the unique name, and can obtain the data independent from the data's storage location, network location, application, and means of transportation. The following terms are used to describe the CCN architecture:

Content Object (or “Content Object”):

A single piece of named data, which is bound to a unique name. Content Objects are “persistent,” which means that a Content Object can move around within a computing device, or across different computing devices, but does not change. If any component of the Content Object changes, the entity that made the change creates a new Content Object that includes the updated content, and binds the new Content Object to a new unique name.

Unique Names:

A name in a CCN is typically location independent and uniquely identifies a Content Object. A data-forwarding device can use the name or name prefix to forward a packet toward a network node that generates or stores the Content Object, regardless of a network address or physical location for the Content Object. In some embodiments, the name may be a hierarchically structured variable-length identifier (HSVLI). The HSVLI can be divided into several hierarchical components, which can be structured in various ways. For example, the individual name components parc, home, ccn, and test.txt can be structured in a left-oriented prefix-major fashion to form the name “/parc/home/ccn/test.txt.” Thus, the name “/parc/home/ccn” can be a “parent” or “prefix” of “/parc/home/ccn/test.txt.” Additional components can be used to distinguish between different versions of the content item, such as a collaborative document. The HSVLI can also include contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level.

In some embodiments, the name can include an identifier, such as a hash value that is derived from the Content Object's data (e.g., a checksum value) and/or from elements of the Content Object's name. A description of a hash-based name is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/847,814, which is herein incorporated by reference. A name can also be a flat label. Hereinafter, “name” is used to refer to any name for a piece of data in a name-data network, such as a hierarchical name or name prefix, a flat name, a fixed-length name, an arbitrary-length name, or a label (e.g., a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) label).

Interest (or “Interest”):

A packet that indicates a request for a piece of data, and includes a name (or a name prefix) for the piece of data. A data consumer can disseminate a request or Interest across an information-centric network, which CCN/NDN routers can propagate toward a storage device (e.g., a cache server) or a data producer that can provide the requested data to satisfy the request or Interest.

Face or Interface (or “Face” or “Interface”):

In CCN, the term “face” is a generalization of the concept of an interface. A face may be a connection to a network or directly to an application party. A face may be configured to send and receive broadcast or multicast packets on a particular network interface, or to send and receive packets using point-to-point addressing in the underlying transport, or using a tunnel (for example a TCP tunnel). A face may also be the connection to a single application process running on the same machine, via an encapsulation like UDP or an OS-specific inter-process communication path. All messages arrive through a face and are sent out through a face. In this disclosure, the term “neighbor” is interchangeable with the terms “face” and “interface,” referring to an incoming or outgoing interface of an Interest.

“Prefix”:

In this disclosure, the term “prefix” can be used to refer to either a name of a specific content object or a name prefix for the content object. A routable name prefix can determine the routing of a packet that indicates a request for a piece of data, and includes a name (or a name prefix) for the piece of data. A data consumer can disseminate a request or interest across an information-centric network, which CCN/NDN routers can propagate toward a storage device (e.g., a cache server) or a data producer that can provide the requested data to satisfy the request or interest.

The methods disclosed herein are not limited to CCN networks and are applicable to other architectures as well. A description of a CCN architecture is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/338,175, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Exemplary Network and Communication

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network 100 which facilitates efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Network 100 can include a consumer or content requesting device 116, a producer or content producing device 118, and a router or other forwarding device at nodes 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114. A node can be a computer system, an end-point representing users, and/or a device that can generate interests or originate content. A node can also be an edge router (e.g., CCN nodes 102, 104, 112, and 114) or a core router (e.g., intermediate CCN routers 106, 108, and 110). Network 100 can be a content centric network.

Producer or device 118 can have an original prefix 120 of “/p/op,” and can determine to change its prefix some short time afterwards (e.g., to an updated prefix 122 of “/p/np”). Producer 118 can send an interest or advertisement 150 with a name 152 of “/p/op/adv/a/b” and a lifetime condition 154 of “abs_time=5 sec,” which indicates an absolute clock time value of 5 seconds for the FIB entry for the name prefix “/p/op.” Interest 150 can travel through network 100 via intermediate nodes 114, 112, 110, and 102 before reaching consumer or device 116. Each of these intermediate nodes can update their FIBs based on the lifetime condition included in interest 150. For example, node 110 can have a FIB 130 with entries that include a name prefix 132, outgoing interfaces 134, and a lifetime value 136. Node 110 can receive interest 150, obtain a matching entry 130.1 from FIB 130 based on the name prefix “/p/op,” and set the lifetime value 136 for the matching entry 130.1 to the lifetime condition 154 included in interest 150 (i.e., “abs_time=5 sec”).

Subsequently, node 110 can determine that lifetime value 136 of entry 130.1 is satisfied (e.g., an expiration of the absolute clock time value of 5 seconds) and can remove entry 130.1 from FIB 130. In this way, producer 118 can communicate a lifetime condition or lifetime value to intermediate routers for a specific name prefix, which allows the intermediate routers to remove the corresponding entry based on the lifetime value. Thus, the system facilitates ephemeral FIB entries by allowing routers to remove unnecessary FIB entries, which frees up unnecessary space and can result in a more efficient system

Exemplary Interests/Advertisements and Forwarding Information Bases

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement 200 which indicates an absolute clock value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Interest 200 can include a name 202 of “/p/op/adv/a/b” and a lifetime condition 204 of “abs_time=5 sec,” which indicates that the corresponding entry is to be removed from the FIB after 5 seconds.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base 210 updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIB 210 can include entries with a name prefix 212, outgoing interfaces 214, and a lifetime value 216. FIB 210 can include an entry 220.1 with a name prefix of “/p/op,” outgoing interfaces “{IF_102, . . . },” and a lifetime value of “abs_time=5 sec.” Entry 220.1 corresponds to an update performed to FIB 210 by a router based on receiving and processing interest 200.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement 220 which indicates a stale clock value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Interest 220 can include a name 222 of “/p/op/adv/a/b” and a lifetime condition 224 of “stale_time=10 sec.” Lifetime condition 224 indicates that the corresponding FIB entry is to be removed after 10 seconds of inactivity, and that the lifetime condition 224 is to be reset to the original value (i.e., 10 seconds) if an interest is routed based on the FIB entry within the stale clock time (i.e., 10 seconds).

FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base 230 updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIB 230 can include an entry 230.1 with a name prefix of “/p/op,” outgoing interfaces “{IF_102, . . . },” and a lifetime value of “stale_time=10 sec.” Entry 230.1 corresponds to an update performed to FIB 230 by a router based on receiving and processing interest 220.

FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement 240 which indicates a stale clock value and an interest threshold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Interest 240 can include a name 242 of “/p/op/adv/a/b” and a lifetime condition 244 of “stale_time=10 sec; int_threshold=4.” Lifetime condition 244 indicates that the corresponding FIB entry is to be removed after 10 seconds of inactivity and if less than 4 interests are routed based on the FIB entry within the stale clock time (i.e., 10 seconds). Lifetime condition 244 also indicates that the lifetime condition 244 is to be reset to the original value (i.e., 10 seconds) if 4 interests are routed based on the FIB entry within the stale clock time (i.e., 10 seconds).

FIG. 2F illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base 250 updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2E, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIB 250 can include an entry 250.1 with a name prefix of “/p/op,” outgoing interfaces “{IF_102, . . . },” and a lifetime value of “stale_time=10 sec; int_threshold=4.” Entry 250.1 corresponds to an update performed to FIB 250 by a router based on receiving and processing interest 240.

FIG. 2G illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement 260 which indicates a reference count, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Interest 260 can include a name 262 of “/p/op/adv/a/b” and a lifetime condition 264 of “ref_count=8,” which indicates that the corresponding entry is to be removed from the FIB after 8 interests are routed based on the FIB entry.

FIG. 2H illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base 270 updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2G, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIB 270 can include an entry 270.1 with a name prefix of “/p/op,” outgoing interfaces “{IF_102, . . . },” and a lifetime value of “ref_count=8.” Entry 270.1 corresponds to an update performed to FIB 270 by a router based on receiving and processing interest 260.

In some embodiments, one or more lifetime conditions may be combined, where determining whether the lifetime value of a FIB entry is satisfied is based on whichever condition is satisfied first. Examples of such combinations are described above in relation to FIGS. 2E-2F (combining stale clock value and interest threshold) and below in relation to FIGS. 2I-2J (combining stale clock value and reference count).

FIG. 2I illustrates an exemplary interest or advertisement 280 where the condition indicates a stale clock value and a reference count, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Interest 280 can include a name 282 of “/p/op/adv/a/b” and a lifetime condition 284 of “stale_time=10 sec; ref_count=8,” which indicates that the corresponding entry is to be removed from the FIB after either 10 seconds of inactivity or after 8 interests are routed based on the FIB entry, depending on which condition is satisfied first. In addition, the stale clock time value of lifetime condition 284 is to be reset to the original value (i.e., 10 seconds) if an interest is routed based on the FIB entry within the stale clock time (i.e., 10 seconds).

FIG. 2J illustrates an exemplary forwarding information base 290 updated based on the exemplary interest or advertisement of FIG. 2I, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIB 290 can include an entry 290.1 with a name prefix of “/p/op,” outgoing interfaces “{IF_102, . . . },” and a lifetime value of “stale_time=10 sec; ref_count=8.” Entry 290.1 corresponds to an update performed to FIB 270 by a router based on receiving interest 280.

Intermediate Router Processes Interest with Lifetime Condition

FIG. 3A presents a flow chart 300 illustrating a method by an intermediate router for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. During operation, the system receives, by an intermediate router, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a FIB (operation 302). The system performs a lookup in the FIB for the first entry based on the name for the first interest (operation 304). If the first entry is not obtained or found in the FIB (decision 306), the system discards the first interest (operation 308) and the operation returns. If the first interest is obtained or found in the FIB (decision 306), the system adds to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry (operation 310). The system forwards the first interest (operation 312) (e.g., via outgoing interfaces corresponding to a path for the advertisement or first interest). If the system determines that the lifetime value is satisfied (decision 314), the operation continues as described at Label A of FIG. 3B, and the system removes the first entry from the FIB (operation 316). If the lifetime value is not satisfied, the system waits and continues to determine whether the lifetime value is satisfied.

FIG. 3B presents a flow chart 350 illustrating a method by an intermediate router for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base, including various conditions for lifetime values, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. During operation, the system can determine four different types of conditions. When the condition indicates an absolute clock value (operation 322), the system detects an operation of the absolute clock value (operation 324), and the operation returns (i.e., continues at operation 316 of FIG. 3A, where the system removes the first or corresponding entry from the FIB). When the condition indicates a stale clock value (operation 332), the system determines whether it forwards a subsequent interest before the expiration of the stale clock time (decision 334). If the system does forward a subsequent interest within the stale clock time, the system resets the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value (operation 336), and the operation continues at operation 314 of FIG. 3A (i.e., determining whether the lifetime value is satisfied). If the system does not forward a subsequent interest before the expiration of the stale clock time (decision 334), the system detects that no subsequent interests are forwarded before an expiration of the stale clock time, and the operation returns (i.e., continues at operation 316).

When the condition indicates a stale clock value and an interest threshold (IT) number (operation 342), the system determines whether it forwards less than or equal to the IT number of subsequent interests before the expiration of the stale clock time (decision 344). If it does not, the operation returns (i.e., continues at operation 316). If it does, the system resets the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock time (operation 336), and the operation continues at operation 314.

When the condition indicates a reference count (operation 352), the system forwards the first interest or a second interest to an outgoing interface indicated in the first entry (operation 354). The system decrements the reference count indicated in the first entry by one (operation 356). If the reference count is equal to zero (decision 358), the operation continues at operation 316. If the reference count is not equal to zero (decision 358), the operation continues at operation 314.

Content Producing Device Facilitates Efficient Management of FIB

FIG. 4 presents a flow chart 400 illustrating a method by a content producing device for facilitating efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. During operation, the system generates, by a content producing device, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a forwarding information base, wherein the first interest is an advertisement of the content producing device for content under a domain of the content producing device (operation 402). The advertisement does not require a responsive content object and does not leave state information in a pending information table. The system transmits the first interest, which causes a receiving intermediate router to: obtain a matching FIB entry based on the name for the first interest; update the FIB of the intermediate router by adding to the matching entry the condition as a lifetime value for the matching entry; and, in response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied, remove the matching from the FIB of the intermediate router (operation 404).

Exemplary Computer System

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system 502 that facilitates efficient management of a forwarding information base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Computer system 502 includes a processor 504, a memory 506, and a storage device 508. Memory 506 can include a volatile memory (e.g., RAM) that serves as a managed memory, and can be used to store one or more memory pools. Furthermore, computer system 502 can be coupled to a display device 510, a keyboard 512, and a pointing device 514. Storage device 508 can store an operating system 516, a content-processing system 518, and data 528.

Content-processing system 518 can include instructions, which when executed by computer system 502, can cause computer system 502 to perform methods and/or processes described in this disclosure. Specifically, content-processing system 518 may include instructions for sending and/or receiving data packets to/from other network nodes across a computer network, such as a content centric network (communication module 520). A data packet can include an advertisement, an interest packet, or a content object packet with a name which is an HSVLI that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level.

Further, content-processing system 518 can include instructions for receiving, by an intermediate node, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a forwarding information base (communication module 520). Content-processing system 518 can also include instructions for, in response to obtaining the first entry from the FIB based on the name for the first interest (FIB-lookup module 522), adding to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry (FIB-updating module 524). Content-processing system 518 can include instructions for, in response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied (condition-detecting module 526), removing the first entry from the FIB.

Content-processing system 518 can further include instructions for detecting an expiration of an absolute clock value indicated in the condition (condition-detecting module 526). Content-processing system 518 can include instructions for detecting that no subsequent interests are forwarded based on the first entry before an expiration of the stale clock value (condition-detecting module 526), and, in response to forwarding a subsequent interest based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value (communication module 520), resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value (FIB-updating module 524).

Content-processing system 518 can additionally include instructions for detecting that a number of interests less than the interest threshold is forwarded based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value (condition-detecting module 526). Content-processing system 518 can include instructions for, in response to forwarding a number of subsequent interests equal to the interest threshold based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value (communication module 520 and condition-detecting module 526), resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value (FIB-updating module 524).

Content-processing system 518 can also include instructions for, in response to forwarding the first interest or a second interest to an outgoing interface indicated in the first entry (communication module 520), decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry (FIB-updating module 524), and determining that the reference count is zero (condition-detecting module 526).

Data 528 can include any data that is required as input or that is generated as output by the methods and/or processes described in this disclosure. Specifically, data 528 can store at least: an interest; an advertisement; a content object; a name; a name that is an HSVLI that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level; a routable prefix or a name prefix that indicates one or more contiguous name components beginning from the most general level; a condition; an interest which includes a name and a condition; a lifetime condition or a lifetime value; an absolute clock time value; a stale clock time value; an interest threshold; a reference count; a forwarding information base (FIB); a FIB entry; a FIB entry with a name, a list of outgoing interfaces, and a lifetime value; a pending interest table (PIT); a content store or local cache; an advertisement for content under a domain of a content producing device; an interest which does not require a responsive content object; and an interest which does not leave state in a PIT.

The data structures and code described in this detailed description are typically stored on a computer-readable storage medium, which may be any device or medium that can store code and/or data for use by a computer system. The computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), or other media capable of storing computer-readable media now known or later developed.

The methods and processes described in the detailed description section can be embodied as code and/or data, which can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium as described above. When a computer system reads and executes the code and/or data stored on the computer-readable storage medium, the computer system performs the methods and processes embodied as data structures and code and stored within the computer-readable storage medium.

Furthermore, the methods and processes described above can be included in hardware modules. For example, the hardware modules can include, but are not limited to, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and other programmable-logic devices now known or later developed. When the hardware modules are activated, the hardware modules perform the methods and processes included within the hardware modules.

The foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system for facilitating ephemeral entries in a forwarding information base, the system comprising: a processor; and a storage device storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform: receiving, by an intermediate node, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a forwarding information base, wherein a name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level; in response to obtaining the first entry from the forwarding information base based on the name for the first interest, adding to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry; and in response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied, removing the first entry from the forwarding information base, thereby facilitating the intermediate node to efficiently manage the forwarding information base based on information provided by a content producing device.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the condition indicates an absolute clock value, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value.
 3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the condition indicates a stale clock value, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting that no subsequent interests are forwarded based on the first entry before an expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a subsequent interest based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.
 4. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the condition further indicates an interest threshold, which indicates a number of forwarded interests after which the lifetime value is to be reset, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting that a number of interests less than the interest threshold is forwarded based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a number of subsequent interests equal to the interest threshold based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.
 5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the condition indicates one or more of an absolute clock value, the stale clock value, the interest threshold, and a reference count which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied further comprises one or more of: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value; and in response to forwarding an interest based on the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.
 6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the condition further indicates a reference count, which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: in response to forwarding the first interest or a second interest to an outgoing interface indicated in the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.
 7. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the first interest is an advertisement of the content producing device for content under a domain of the content producing device, and wherein the advertisement does not require a responsive content object and does not leave state information in a pending interest table.
 8. A computer-implemented method for facilitating ephemeral entries in a forwarding information base, the method comprising: receiving, by an intermediate node, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a forwarding information base, wherein a name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level; in response to obtaining the first entry from the forwarding information base based on the name for the first interest, adding to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry; and in response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied, removing the first entry from the forwarding information base, thereby facilitating the intermediate node to efficiently manage the forwarding information base based on information provided by a content producing device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the condition indicates an absolute clock value, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the condition indicates a stale clock value, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting that no subsequent interests are forwarded based on the first entry before an expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a subsequent interest based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the condition further indicates an interest threshold, which indicates a number of forwarded interests after which the lifetime value is to be reset, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting that a number of interests less than the interest threshold is forwarded based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a number of subsequent interests equal to the interest threshold based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the condition indicates one or more of an absolute clock value, the stale clock value, the interest threshold, and a reference count which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied further comprises one or more of: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value; and in response to forwarding an interest based on the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the condition further indicates a reference count, which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: in response to forwarding the first interest or a second interest to an outgoing interface indicated in the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the first interest is an advertisement of the content producing device for content under a domain of the content producing device, and wherein the advertisement does not require a responsive content object and does not leave state information in a pending interest table.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving, by an intermediate node, a first interest which includes a name and a condition for removing a first entry from a forwarding information base, wherein a name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level; in response to obtaining the first entry from the forwarding information base based on the name for the first interest, adding to the first entry the condition included in the first interest as a lifetime value for the first entry; and in response to determining that the lifetime value is satisfied, removing the first entry from the forwarding information base, thereby facilitating the intermediate node to efficiently manage the forwarding information base based on information provided by a content producing device.
 16. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the condition indicates an absolute clock value, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value.
 17. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the condition indicates a stale clock value, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting that no subsequent interests are forwarded based on the first entry before an expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a subsequent interest based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.
 18. The storage medium of claim 17, wherein the condition further indicates an interest threshold, which indicates a number of forwarded interests after which the lifetime value is to be reset, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: detecting that a number of interests less than the interest threshold is forwarded based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value; and in response to forwarding a number of subsequent interests equal to the interest threshold based on the first entry before the expiration of the stale clock value, resetting the lifetime value for the first entry based on the stale clock value.
 19. The storage medium of claim 18, wherein the condition indicates one or more of an absolute clock value, the stale clock value, the interest threshold, and a reference count which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied further comprises one or more of: detecting an expiration of the absolute clock value; and in response to forwarding an interest based on the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero.
 20. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the condition further indicates a reference count, which is an integer indicating a number of interests that can be forwarded based on the first entry before the first entry is to be removed from the forwarding information base, and wherein determining that the lifetime value is satisfied comprises: in response to forwarding the first interest or a second interest to an outgoing interface indicated in the first entry: decrementing by one the reference count indicated in the lifetime value for the first entry; and determining that the reference count is zero. 